It's funny how different an impression a pen can make when held in your hand, versus looking at a few photos. When I saw images of the Rotring 700 on-line, I wasn't all that impressed. The clip looked interesting, but fragile (I'd seen a few photos here and there of ones that were either bent or broken off). The barrel diameter is extraordinarily thin (even thinner than a Montblanc Noblese), making one wonder whether it would be comfortable to hold. And the surface is coated in a rather dull blackish color (unlike the deep rich matte black of the 600) that makes it look like it's made of hard plastic.

Here's a stock image:


While at the DC Pen SuperShow, I happened to stumble upon a Rotring 700 resting next to a few Rotring 600's. It was in mint condition and had a sticker on it indicating an italic 0.6mm nib. I'd never heard of Rotring making such a nib in their 600 and 700 lines. I inquired and learned that it was custom ground, allegedly by a legendary nib specialist of Sheaffer fame. OK, this pen I'd have to dip test.

And oh, was I surprised. This is the kind of nib I didn't realize I wanted so badly. You get a very nice fine line with subtle variation. A little extra pressure and you get a thicker line. The Rotring 700 nib has some spring to it too, unlike the hard-as-nails 600 nibs. The thin body is much more usable than I expected. It's actually quite comfortable, mostly due in part to the firm rubberized section that is easy to grip, and despite being made of metal it's not heavy feeling. And just like the Montblanc Noblese, the cap posts with a soft and subtle click, resulting in a very nicely balanced pen. And the color? It looks like the surface is adonized in a very dark gray (almost black) that contrasts well with the chrome furniture and the signature red ring of Rotring. In bright light, it has a slight sheen that is visually appealing. On the whole, this pen has a unique appearance that I'm finding rather handsome, now that I've had one to hold and write with.

The Rotring 700 may not be as crush proof as a Rotring 600, as examples I've seen can be pretty beat up (see below), but they are a little more ergonomic being less weight and having a some cushion from the rubberized section. Plus the nibs have some spring, which is a very welcome touch. 

Some eye candy shots of my actual Rotring 700:

You can tell how clean the chrome is -- a small mirrored reflection of my taking the photos is seen in the clip ball. 

Overall, a great pen that is generally affordable today (when you find them!).